Chapter 132: The head of the Bureau
Diana sighed, a fond smile tugging at her lips as she rested her hands on his forearms. Her response carried a touch of humour, "Ah, I see, I'm in the presence of the invincible wizard Jaegar, am I?"
Her chuckle filled the room. "Well, mighty wizard, I suppose you must protect me at all times, then."
The aunt and nephew shared a lighthearted moment, the tension of the recent encounter gradually dissipating in the warmth of their bond.
Meanwhile, just outside Jaegar's home, Francesca retraced her steps to the waiting Dodge van.
Professor Elara, her colleague, inquired eagerly, "Did you find anything inside?"
Francesca's expression remained enigmatic as she replied, "Perhaps, but it requires further investigation." She retrieved the specialized metre she had used earlier and handed it to Professor Elara.
With their findings and suspicions intact, they left the suburban street, the van slowly pulling away as they embarked on the path to uncovering the mysteries that lay ahead.
The van navigated through the long streets, its tyres humming softly on the asphalt.
It left the bustling urban landscape behind, venturing onto the empty roads that led to an inconspicuous abandoned building.
The structure loomed ominously, its weathered facade holding silent secrets of the past. The van pulled up to the entrance, and with a sense of purpose, it descended into the depths of the building, disappearing into the dimly lit cellar.
Francesca emerged into a vast, dimly illuminated room, bathed in the cold blue glow of computer screens. The space was alive with activity as people moved about, their focus consumed by the intricacies of their work.
She strode purposefully, heading towards a smaller room within the cavernous chamber, where three individuals waited – Miran, Sander, and Vondell.
Miran, ever alert, rose from her seat and presented Francesca with a drawing on a sheet of paper.
As her eyes fell upon the intricate portrait, a deep furrow formed on her brow. The resemblance was uncanny, and a sense of certainty washed over her.
It was him—the young man she had encountered earlier. The gravity of the situation settled upon her, and she sank into the chair behind the table with a heavy sigh.
If Jaegar possessed abilities akin to those of Miran, Sander, and Vondell, it was a matter that demanded her careful attention.
The stakes were high, not only due to her own involvement but also the connections that tied her to Diana and her sister Megan.
Diana and Megan's longstanding relationship added complexity to the situation. Every time she met Megan, it was all that she talked about, Diana and Jaegar. She treated them like family.
If Diana was aware of Jaegar's abilities, Francesca needed to determine whether he posed a threat or an ally.
Her decision would be a pivotal one, and she was determined to pass judgment herself. And after seeing how he killed that monster, she didn't want to take the risk.
Miran, who had maintained a stoic silence, finally broke it. With a sense of urgency, she explained, "I tried to capture every detail I could remember, and he unquestionably resembles this portrait."
Her index finger pointed insistently at the sketch, emphasizing the striking similarity. "Should we set out a search for him? It's possible he's still in the city, and we can discreetly inquire around," Miran suggested, her voice laced with determination.
Sander and Vondell thought otherwise and exchanged sceptical glances.
"Why are you so eager?" Sander asked Mi ran.
"Didn't you see for yourself? He killed that monster with a flick of lightning. It was done so fast, but I saw it clearly."
"If we were to join us-"
Francesca, her thoughts carefully curated, rose gracefully from her chair and cut her midway, saying, "I'll handle this matter personally. You three should take a moment to relax," she asserted, her eyes bearing the weight of the impending decision.
With a wave of her hand, she dismissed them, allowing the three individuals to retreat into the shadowy recesses of the spacious room.
Mi Ran could tell that person, whoever he was, was definitely a powerful man. He had escaped from her, and it had never been done by anyone before. And she had her own reasons to get him on board with them. As she pondered him, she left the room.
***
Meanwhile, in another corner of the city, a magnificent edifice stood as a symbol of exquisite architecture. The grand structure, adorned with intricate carvings and towering spires, captured the attention of all who passed by. Its presence commanded respect and awe from passersby and was a symbol of the city's rich history and cultural heritage.
Within the opulent confines of this building lay a lavishly furnished room adorned with sophisticated details and luxurious appointments. The room's high ceilings and ornate chandeliers added to its grandeur, creating an atmosphere of elegance and refinement. The plush velvet drapes and gilded furniture further enhanced the room's opulence.
Seated behind an ornate chair was a man of impeccable taste, his attire a symphony of black and white. His neatly hung suit, hat, and long coat exuded an air of formality and meticulousness.
Facing him sat another man, Antony Kahler, who voiced his grievances with palpable frustration.
"Mr. Lasson, do you not find it rather vexing that this woman conducts herself with such audacity?"
Antony inquired, his words tinged with exasperation. These two individuals had crossed paths with Francesca earlier in the dimly lit alley, their intentions shrouded in mystery.
"Ugh, seriously, how are we supposed to refer to the group she's in charge of? It's so frustrating! Can't she just be done with them?"
James Lasson, his focus devoted to a document before him, continued his writing with staunch composure. "Antony, a gentleman should never allow himself to be swayed by anger. It clouds judgement and renders all reasoning futile," he replied sagely, the ink from his quill flowing smoothly onto the parchment. "This principle holds especially true when dealing with women."